Who we are
Jacobs Camp is the Reform Jewish Movement’s summer camp serving the Deep South: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Central and Western Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle. Since 1970, Jacobs has provided a caring Jewish community that has become a second home to many. Children from URJ congregations across the Deep South join together each summer to experience the fun and magic of Jewish camping.
From the youngest of our campers to the oldest of our Solelim (Counselors-in-Training), every child who spends a summer at Jacobs Camp returns home a little wiser, a little more self-confident, and a little more connected to the Jewish community. A summer at Jacobs Camp is more than a summer of fun. A summer at Jacobs is meant to last a lifetime.
Statement of Belonging, URJ Camps and Immersive Programs
URJ Camps and Immersive Programs are safe spaces where we welcome and affirm every person for their whole self. There is no place here for discrimination against any person based on their religion or religious practice, citizenship or nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, race, age, neurodiversity, appearance, disability or impairment, social class, or any other aspect of what makes them the unique and irreplaceable human being they are. Our vision and deepest aspiration is to create and foster communities in which Judaism enables all people to experience peace and wholeness (shalom), justice and equity (tzedek), and belonging and joy (shayachut and simcha). Everyone is welcome at Jacobs Camp!
what we do
Our caring and committed staff members (many of whom were campers themselves) strive to enrich the campers’ experiences by helping them build lasting friendships. These relationships lay the foundation for our summer community, providing encouragement and support. Our intimate camp environment allows campers to embrace the challenge of learning new skills in athletics, the arts, and adventure and nature programs. What’s more, campers also immerse themselves in a wide range of innovative Jewish educational pursuits and creative spiritual experiences.
our mission
The mission of the URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp is to provide a high-quality Reform Jewish camping experience to the children of Southern Jewish communities that enriches and enhances their lives spiritually, intellectually, and physically in a safe and friendly family environment. Jacobs Camp seeks to fulfill its mission through a commitment to:
- Teaching Jewish values and instilling pride in our shared Jewish heritage.
- Providing an around-the-clock experience in Jewish living.
- Encouraging life-long friendship and relationships.
- Promoting healthy development of personal character.
- Enhancing Jewish living skills in an environment of high quality program, staff & facilities.
- Providing numerous positive adult Jewish role models.
- Deepening connections to Israel and the Hebrew language.
- Receiving active support and participation from all of our stakeholders.
- Reaching the broadest number of children possible.
- Serving families with roots in the South and connections to Jacobs Camp.
- Creating a summer that will last a lifetime